Ean Stein had been working at the Kings Food Mart in Ocala, Florida for less than a week when he was gunned down during his second shift. The 45-year-old store clerk was killed Tuesday evening after asking a group of young men to show identification to purchase tobacco products, authorities said.
Background
According to the Ocala Police Department, the confrontation began around 5:30 p.m. when Stein requested identification from several young men attempting to buy tobacco at the convenience store. A brief physical fight erupted when the men refused to comply. Investigators say Curnel Brown, 19, was not part of that initial altercation with Stein but became involved in the escalating dispute.
Surveillance footage and evidence collected at the scene would later point to Brown as the alleged shooter, police said. After firing the shot that struck Stein, Brown fled the store.
"He was actually the best guy who worked for me," store owner Abdel Abulganem told local ABC affiliate WCJB. "A cool guy."
The Investigation
First responders arrived at the Kings Food Mart location and found Stein suffering from gunshot wounds. He was transported to a nearby hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.
Investigators located Brown within minutes of the shooting and took him into custody without incident. Police said they recovered the alleged murder weapon during his arrest.
"This is a tragic case involving a young man who inserted himself into a situation that had nothing to do with him," Ocala police spokesperson Maria Santos said in a statement. "Mr. Stein was simply doing his job when this senseless act occurred."
The Charges
Brown has been charged with second-degree murder and is being held at the Marion County Jail without bail following his first court appearance on Wednesday. He is scheduled to appear in court again on September 15.
In Florida, second-degree murder is classified as a felony of the first degree, punishable by up to life imprisonment if convicted.
Key Takeaways
- Ean Stein, 45, was killed during his second shift at Kings Food Mart; he had started work just two days earlier on Monday
- Curnel Brown, 19, allegedly shot Stein after joining a fight that police say he was not originally involved in
- The initial confrontation began when Stein asked young men for ID to purchase tobacco products
- Surveillance video and physical evidence led investigators to identify Brown as the alleged shooter
- Brown is being held without bail and faces a September 15 court date
What's Next
Brown will return to court on September 15 for further proceedings. Stein's family has established a GoFundMe campaign to help cover funeral and cremation costs, as well as travel expenses for relatives to attend services.
"He was witty, funny, incredibly smart, stubborn as hell, and loved his family with his whole heart," Stein's daughter wrote in the fundraising post. "He was a son, a father, a grandfather, a friend, and so much more."